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writen in 2001
Hmmm well, I have been painting with spraypaint since 1991. The last half of which, completely legal. As I let go of the desire for fame that comes with painting illegally, I have watched awesome things happen in my life. Don't get me wrong I didn't just wake up one day and say "fame is wack". It was a slow learning process. The more I understand that our lives on earth are as long as a fingersnap compared to eternity, the more fame seems silly. Trying to make sure I was "up" enough to have people see my tags was a giant rat race. Graffiti culture is so anti-suit and tie, like, "those guys are zombies just drifting through life". But the truth is that most writers are ,themselves, spinning there wheels while they try to keep their crew impressed, girls hearing their name, hitting landmark spots(spots where tags are hard to remove). Society tells these guys that they are products of there bad childhood and they just need to learn how to love themselves before they can love the people around them and respect other peoples property. What???? These guys write their own name as big as a van daily and write there name at least a hundred times a week on paper to make sure it looks fresh! They are in love with themselves! the truth is they were born loving themselves. So what is gonna make them learn to respect people and property??
Well, when your life is consumed with fame, and the fear of losing fame means loosing respect, looks from girls, and friends, your gonna step on any toes you have to! They need a friend that won't bounce when every other friend does. They need the knowledge that this life isn't the longest timespan they will know. because if it is then... anarchy, dog-eat-dog, every man for himself. They need Jesus! They need the insurance that God is waiting in heaven for them. Eternity goes on after life on earth is over and its spent in one of two places. Just because you can't see a headache or don't "believe" you will ever get one doesn't mean that pain isn't gonna hit you one day! Textbooks say we evolved... life begins and ends on earth, and educators/society wonders why they are looking out for "____" one.
Oh, and painting makes me feel good but I feel better when that painting leaves an eternal perspective in the viewers mind. It's a win-win.
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This is an interview i did for a magazine article in February, 2004...
What is your description of an artist and do you consider yourself one?
Someone who creates something they think is worth creating, therefore praising it.
What are your thoughts on the role of art in society?
The role of art should be to visually offer a sollution to humanity, its origin, and its reason for existence. Instead, in it’s current state, it is to get people to think how the artist thinks. This is very narrow minded and one-sided.
Do you think contemporary art is fulfilling that roll?
I do not think it is fulfilling what it should. Art today generally proposes the idea that what you THINK or DECIDE about the art IS RIGHT. Try that idea with math, geology, geography; it doesn’t work! One other area where this rediculous idea has infested is religion.
Do you think art receives enough recognition/respect in today’s world?
The major reason art recieves recognition/respect today, is based on its craftmanship and not its substance... to quote the Hip-Hop group Mars Ill, “Todays heads are over-entertained and under- challenged.”
What about graffiti art? To what degree is graffiti recognized and/or embraced as art?
It has been recognized by it’s own subculture from its birth. Illegal graffiti artists have had a tough time getting the approval of the older generations. But try telling a Nascar driver that get-away-driving is a form of highly-skilled driving. Sadly, our generation, loves vandalism and theft.
When (if ever) did graffiti shift from being viewed as messy vandalism to art?
On the majority is hasn’t. This is due to messy vandals.
Does graffiti still need to prove itself to the artistic community?
Responsibly yes. Skillfully no.
What is the highest honor a graffiti artist can receive?
To me, eteranally benifitting another human being.
Are there exhibits in major museums? Which?
Yes, all over. I know Chaz Boroquez has work in the Smithsonian.
What is the future of graffiti art? Where is it going, who is it reaching, and where would you like to see it spread or evolve?
I see illegal graffiti becoming more and more popular along with other illegal activities(street racing, computer hacking, mp3 and software stealing, etc.)
Who is pushing graffiti art forward?
Most graffiti artists are pushing graffiti towards their own goals of praising themselves. GG crew and I are pushing it toward praising the Creator of the Universe and everything in it.
Are they graffiti artists you admire or who are other graffiti artists you admire?
I admire the God-given talents of many graffiti artist such as Dizney, Mode 2, Seak, Toast and Mear, but pray for a day when they understand why they are alive and have been given such talent.
What other artistic mediums (and artists within them) are you influenced by?
Poetry(in the Bible), Music(hip-hop, rock, praise-and-worship-music, country...whatever), and Breackdancing.
What five musical artists inspire you most?
Corey Red, J-Silas, Cross Movment, M.O.D., and Newsboys.
What else inspires you?
The Bible(New King James version), nature and light.
Why are you a graffiti artist? (As opposed to a painter, sculptor, animator, cartoonist, etc.)
A friend in high school introduced me to illegal graffiti. Being an artist from childhood, I was continually amazed at what people were doing with spraycans. After dabbling with other mediums, I realized the control, speed, dry time and minimal clean-up beat the others by far. The only downside is wearing a mask.
How long have you been working with graffiti and when did you feel your skill level match your aspirations?
I have been using spraypaint since 1991 and artisticlly since 1993. Early on, I hit a milestone of “not being afraid to attempt any subject matter”. The next milestone was “only attempting the subject matters I wanted to express.” I assume I will hit more milestones as my life continues. This is my artistic aspiration for this life.
What piece in your collection would you say is your cornerstone, or turning point, piece? In other words, what was the first piece that gave you that sense of pride, joy, and complete satisfaction when you finished it – like you just knew you “made it”?
There isn’t one particular piece. When people tell me “that one was deep, it really made me think” I get stoked!
What is the best piece of criticism you’ve ever received?
“Draw what you see, not what you think you see”. Ironically this person did not subscribe to, “Believe what is true, not what you think is true”.
Best compliment?
I’m hoping for a “well done thy good and faithfull servant” from God when I die!
What reaction do you hope to get from viewers when they see your work?
Repentance to God. God eagerly desires that every man repents from all his wickedness.
What do you think your work says about you?
I think a lot of people see a relious person, all around good guy, really has things together. All of these are not true and people are really missing the point of my art!
What are some words of wisdom you live by?
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” James 4:8
Do you have any advice for young artists?
Art=praise. What are you praising? Your tag name/Yourself? If everyman praised himself, what would the world be like? What would the world be like if everyman refused to praise himself?
I am not perfect so I am not worth praising. Simple as that!
Do you prefer to collaborate with other artists or to work independently?
I love to work with people who have a wide open mind and an eternal perspective.
You guys both work out of California. Have you ever heard of each other or met?
I don’t think I have met Manone before but I know he did design mens neck ties for the same company I did many years back. Good to meet you Manone!
Some of the works shown on your websites look massive. What is the biggest mural you’ve ever done?
My crew and I just did a 26’x56’ wall on 6th st in SF,CA.
I also found most of your drawings/sketches to be really interesting. Have you moved past drawing/sketching or do you still practice it regularly? Why?
I still sketch. It helps me plan.
How did you come up with the names Fasm and ManOne?
It is short for Phantasm but I also like to use it as an acronym for “Faith Alone Saved Me”
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